Gilles Stéphan, assistant coach of the French national team Didier Deschamps, said that the team is preparing for a true and completely different test when they face Morocco in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals next Thursday. He pointed out that the “Les Bleus” have gained a lot of strength and experience after overcoming the tough obstacle of Paraguay in the round of 16. Stéphan explained in a press conference held on Monday that the match against the “Atlas Lions” will be unlike previous encounters, confirming that the opponent is characterized by high organization, remarkable cohesion, and great defensive solidity, in addition to their strength in offensive transitions. Stéphan praised the quality of the Moroccan players on both the right and left sides, making them a technically and physically strong opponent.
The assistant to Deschamps noted that the victory achieved by the French team over Paraguay gave the players valuable additional experience on how to handle complex matches that require focus and patience. He considered that playing such a difficult match at this advanced stage of the tournament was very beneficial because it revealed the players’ ability to overcome tough challenges. He added that the players showed great maturity, as none of them lost their composure despite the pressure they faced, which is clear evidence of their fighting spirit and maturity despite their young age.
Stéphan also addressed the case of Moroccan player Ayoub Bouaddi, who rose through the French youth ranks before deciding to represent the “Atlas Lions” national team. He confirmed the French technical staff’s respect for his decision, praising Bouaddi as one of the products of French training, saying: “We know him well and he made his choice, and we do not blame him for that.” He also explained that the fierce competition in the French midfield prevented his call-up, wondering: “With Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Kone, Zaire Emre, and Kanté, who would we exclude?” He highlighted that Didier Deschamps does not adopt a policy of calling players just to ensure their international representation but insists on providing real opportunities for participation, indicating that Bouaddi’s decision was not due to disregard from the coaching staff but because of the intense competition for his position.
Regarding player injury updates, Deschamps’ assistant revealed that forward Marcus Thuram will return to join group training, while midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni continues his therapeutic program following a groin injury. He reported that the team monitors Tchouaméni’s condition daily, with time running short before the anticipated Thursday match, but he continues to work individually to regain his fitness. Stéphan added that the French Football Federation has appealed to FIFA to cancel the yellow card received by Michael Olise in the Paraguay match, hoping to reduce the risk of his suspension for the semifinal match if France qualifies, to ensure full readiness ahead of the anticipated Morocco-France confrontation.
